Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are required by the body for growth and development, and must be obtained from the diet.

Evening primrose oil is commonly used for breast pain, it has also been suggested for cancer. Though there have only limited amounts of scientific support.

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits - Anti-inflammatory EffectsEvening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a fatty acid that the body converts to prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. Thus, it is possible that evening primrose oil has benefits of anti-inflammatory and blood pressure lowering effects. de La Puerta Vazquez R concluded that evening primrose oil could be considered as a valuable strategy in preventing the generation of some inflammatory mediators. [26]

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits - Vascular EffectsIt has been discussed that evening primrose oil may act as a blood thinner and vessel dilator. Ford I et al Scotland found that evening primrose oil could improve blood flow and nerve function in their studies. [27]

Yoon S et al Korea concluded that evening primrose oil could be highly effective in the treatment of a grossly noninflammatory type of atopic dermatitis. [28]

Head RJ et al Switzerland found that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may prevent the deficit in NCV indirectly, possibly by its role as a precursor of vasodilatory prostaglandins in their studies. Gamma linolenic acid is the active component of evening primrose oil.

Evening Primrose oil benefits - on hair lossReport on how evening primrose oil benefits on hair loss is not found.

Evening primrose oil benefits - weight lossHaslett C and co-researchers reported there was no significant difference in the weight loss achieved by those taking evening primrose oil compared with placebo in a study of 100 women with substantial obesity. [A1]

Evening Primrose Oil Side EffectsLow doses of evening primrose oil is probably safe for most people. Evening primrose oil side effectsmay include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, soft stools and headache for some people. Further, evening primrose oil is a blood thinning agent, it may increase the chance of bleeding during or after surgery or for the people with bleeding disorder. Evening primrose oil may also be linked to seizures in people suffered from schizophrenia. Evening primrose oil and borage should not be used with anticonvulsants because they may lower the seizure threshold. [AA1] Discuss with your doctor before taking any supplements.

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